Children’s Swimwear
Some of you know my opinion of bikinis1 and so it’ll come as no surprise to you that I’m against having little girls wearing swimsuits that train them that exposing themselves is something “normal.”
I know. Up until a certain age, kids have little sense of propriety, modesty or shame. Whether it’s the little boy that’s told to take his shorts off, and does so in front of everyone, or the little girl that doesn’t shut the door to the potty—children sometimes need to be taught that it’s (at least) not polite to go around with privates exposed.
Then why do parents encourage it at the beach?
I’ve heard some stories of little girls that felt embarrassed, or shy about their bodies, and yet here are parents having them dress in ways that are uncomfortable for what purpose I do not know.
If someone’s uncomfortable wearing something, that’s not a case where we should force them to go against their instinct. And it’s not something that we should work against.
See, modesty is something that’s ingrained within us. The first created couple went modest when they realized they were naked. Contrary to the naturalist point of view, it isn’t natural at all to walk around exposed.
So, find modest swimwear for your children, and help them cultivate a healthy self-image. They don’t need to think that it’s natural to have people gawking at their body. They’re supposed to be there having fun being in the water.
Teaching Them While They're Young
- Born Immodest
- Children’s Swimwear
- Pretty Little Princess
- I believe that bikinis are the equivalent of wearing one’s underwear out in public. Except, for some bizarre reason, women that wouldn’t be caught dead out in public parading around in their underwear feel it’s fine to parade around in bikinis on a beach. [↩]
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You know what I don’t understand? When I see pics of celebrities with their children at the beaches and the little girls (sometimes as old as 5-6 years old!) are only wearing bottoms. I mean, I realize no development has started yet at that age, but come on! At least put a t-shirt on her or something!
Rachels last blog post..This is why I don’t have boys
Until now, my girls have always worn one pieces. When they hit about 7-8, they begin to wear a loose, thigh-length mesh cover-up too–or shorts if the neck line was high enough–their choice.
But this summer I asked them to remind me to buy them two piece swimsuits next year! It’s too hard to use the restroom in a one piece once you’re wet. lol. Next year, the mesh cover-up will have to be a tighter weave though.
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Yearss last blog post..Everything I learned about getting along with others through the peer socialization offered at public school…
@Rachel: I think it’s got to be a “new” trend. I mean, I guess at one time there was either skinny dipping or the full bathing suit, but now it seems like we cover as little as we can to be modest.
@Grafted: It totally slips my mind about the convenience factor– however, as long as it’s a modest two-piece you won’t find me complaining.
Hi Grafted,
What about a tankini? That way you get the coverage of a whole piece with the convenience of a 2 piece?
Rachels last blog post..WFMW: Make Your Own Ringtone
Yes, Rachel…I think a tankini might work! I hope they’re still “in” and available next season.
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Yearss last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Heirlooms in the mail
I love the variety of cover-ups available anymore. I also love that swimwear specialty stores are cropping up. To get a mesh top and a sarong that match my swimsuit thrills me.
I found a great swimsuit option for my infant daughter this summer.
Target sold swim t-shirts and little diaper/skirts as bottoms. This way my little one was TOTALLY covered up (great for both modesty, and sun!) and I could easily change her diaper. I definitely recommend these to everyone. They are great!